Morality A (unit 3 - components of a moral choice)

Unit 3

Components of a moral choice

3

How many components are involved in a moral choice?

Action/Object

The Doer, Done, Doee

Intention

The "why" of the action

Circumstance

the time, the place, the occasion of an action

Requirements for an act to be moral

Must be a conscious act that proceeds from knowledge and free will

Intrinsic

in itself"/"innate

Intrinsic good

Something that is good in itself

Intrinsic evil

Something that is evil in itself

Example of Intrinsic evil

Stealing

Example of Intrinsic evil

Lying

Principle of double effect

Occurs when one is choosing to do something good, but at the same time an unintended evil result will occur.

Example of double effect

Pregnant woman has cancer and must choose between chemo or saving the baby

Requirement for double effect

Object/Action must be good

Requirement for double effect

Intention must be good (the bad result is not intended).

Requirement for double effect

No other choice

Requirement for double effect

The good effect must outweigh the bad effect

Two ways of cooperating with evil

Formal and material

Formal cooperation

Cooperating with evil with the intent of the evil being performed

Material cooperation

Cooperating with evil without the intent of the evil being performed

Relativism

The concept that points of view have no absolute truth or validity within themselves

Psychological argument for Relativism

Objective morality produces feelings of guilt which is harmful for me. Therefore I should create my own law.

Psychological argument against Relativism

Feelings of guilt can be of aid to us. Guilt, like pain, is a roadmap

Freedom argument for Relativism

I want to be free, so I must create my own moral system

Freedom argument against Relativism

Opposing moral systems do not create a situation of freedom for individuals but one of chaos.

Situational Ethics

States that decision-making should be based upon the circumstances of a particular situation, and not upon fixed law.

Proportionalism

Actions are moral if some truly proportionate reason is present to justify this choice

Consequentialism

Whether an act is morally right depends only on consequences (as opposed to the intrinsic nature of the act/object or the circumstances)

Utilitarianism

One ought to act so that the consequences of one's act will produce the greatest possible total welfare across all members of the population.